Alabama Public Television will not run 'Arthur' gay wedding

'Arthur' character Mr. Ratburn came out as gay during the 22nd-season premiere of the long-running animated children's show in an episode some described as 'heartwarming' and a 'big step' towards more LGBTQ representation. (WGBH & PBS KIDS)

The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, May 21, 2019 3:01PM EDT

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama Public Television has chosen not to air an episode of the PBS children's show "Arthur" because it included a same-sex wedding.

The episode "Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone" aired nationally on May 13th, showing Arthur attending the wedding of his teacher and partner.

APT showed a re-run instead.

AL.com reports that APT director of programming Mike Mckenzie defended the decision by saying parents trust that their children can watch the station without supervision.

The station had previously pulled an episode of "Arthur" in 2005 when a character had two mothers.